Junos coming to Vancouver in 2009

by Amy Judd | February 12, 2008 at 02:41 pm

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Even though this years Junos haven't taken place yet, organizers have already decided that Vancouver will be the lucky city to host next year's awards. I attended the Junos the last time they were in held Vancouver and the energy of the arena was just amazing - no doubt it will be just as enjoyable next year.

Today, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences announced the Juno wagon will keep rolling westward next year, with the 2009 gala to take place in Vancouver on March 29, 2009.

Said CARAS president Melanie Berry in a statement: "A city well known for its diversity, inclusiveness and cultural heritage, Vancouver is a natural fit to host Canada's music awards show."

Van City has hosted the Junos twice before. Back in '91, Vancouver nabbed the honour of being the first city outside of Toronto to host the gong-fest, and Paul Shaffer came in to emcee the gala.

This will be the first time the west coast city will be taken over by the Junos since the music awards became a travelling event. Since 2002, Juno festivities have landed in St. John's, Ottawa, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Halifax and Saskatoon. As in past years, Vancouver will not only host the Juno awards ceremony but also a four-day weekend worth of events including the Juno Cup, Juno Fan Fare and the Songwriters' Circle.

This year's Juno Awards broadcast, live from Calgary, takes place April 6.